21 January 2016 - The heads of the Philippine diplomatic and consular missions in Europe held their Regional Consultation Meeting (RCM) in Manila from January 11 to 13 to review Philippine foreign policy thrusts in Europe and to contribute to the crafting of the strategic plan of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for the period 2016-2022. Nineteen (19) Philippine ambassadors and one Consul General participated in the program.

In her welcome remarks, Assistant Secretary Maria Cleofe Natividad of the DFA Office of European Affairs explained that the RCM is structured along the three pillars of Philippine foreign policy: the preservation and enhancement of national security, promotion of economic security, and the protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare and interest of Filipinos overseas. Cultural diplomacy and cooperation in education have been incorporated into the program to highlight their importance to Philippine foreign policy in Europe. END